Patna: Health department has directed all district hospitals and govt health facilities to conduct a gap analysis of equipment in obstetrics and gynaecology operation theatres and Labour, Delivery and Recovery (LDR) complexes and submit requisitions for missing equipment to strengthen maternal and newborn healthcare services across the state.The State Health Society has asked civil surgeons and hospital administrations to assess the availability of equipment against Indian Public Health Standards (IPHS) and identify shortages requiring immediate procurement. Officials have been instructed to place demands through the Bihar Medical Services and Infrastructure Corporation Limited’s Equipment Maintenance and Management System (EMMS-e-Upkaran) portal to ensure timely supply and prevent disruptions in services.The equipment list includes operation tables, anaesthesia workstations, electrical suction machines, flash autoclaves, 12-channel ECG machines and foetal dopplers, among other devices required for operation theatres and LDR complexes. Hospitals have been asked to prepare detailed inventories of available equipment and additional requirements and complete the process within the prescribed timeline.Health minister Nishant Kumar said the initiative would improve the quality of delivery services in govt hospitals, promote safe motherhood and help reduce maternal and neonatal mortality. He said better-equipped facilities would strengthen obstetric and gynaecological services and reduce the need for referrals to higher centres.The department said the procurement would help ensure pregnant women receive safer and better-quality maternity care.
